Nuclear Energy Launch Pad
Accelerate Advanced Nuclear Technology from Demonstration to Deployment
The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad provides streamlined pathways for developers to demonstrate advanced nuclear technologies and accelerate commercial deployment. The program supports a range of technologies, including advanced reactors, fuel fabrication, fuel enrichment, fuel reprocessing and related technologies.
Building on DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs, Launch Pad provides flexible technical and regulatory pathways designed to help developers move projects from demonstration toward deployment.
Two Pathways
Launch Pad INL + Launch Pad USA
Rolling Applications
Applications accepted continually
Choose Your Launch Pad Pathway
Launch Pad offers two pathways for advanced nuclear demonstration projects. Both provide access to DOE authorization pathways and specialized nuclear expertise, with options tailored to projects demonstrating at INL or at other eligible locations.
Launch Pad INL
Demonstrate your technology at Idaho National Laboratory with dedicated land, proximity to existing utilities and services, and direct access to specialized nuclear expertise.
- Approximately 2,000 acres divided into multiple plots for private nuclear technology developers
- Land suitable for a range of nuclear applications and regulatory deployment structures
- Accelerated site identification, allocation and assessment
- Proximity to existing INL utilities and services
- Direct access to specialized nuclear expertise, as needed
- A flexible contracting framework with DOE and INL
Launch Pad USA
Demonstrate your technology at eligible locations outside INL, with flexibility to take advantage of regional, project-specific and siting needs.
- Flexibility to use unique regional or project-specific advantages
- Remote or project-specific access to specialized nuclear expertise at INL or other national laboratories, as needed
- Assistance navigating DOE authorization
- The ability to authorize operation of nuclear reactors and fuel cycle facilities outside national laboratories
- A flexible contracting framework with DOE
Participating Developers
Launch Pad works with advanced nuclear developers pursuing demonstration and deployment through the program’s INL and nationwide pathways.
Expertise, Capabilities & Facilities
NRIC is developing a comprehensive catalog of expertise, capabilities and facilities available at universities and national laboratories to participants in the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad program.
*Funding is not available through DOE or NRIC. A contract vehicle will be required between developer and university or national laboratory.
Launch Pad Program Guidance
Industry Day materials provide developers with additional guidance on Launch Pad pathways, DOE Authorization, project requirements and the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in Launch Pad
All applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible. NRIC will use all available tools
and authorities to verify eligibility and alignment with the strategic interests and foreign policies of the United States.
Applicants must be either:
1. Organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States or under the laws of the United States, have majority domestic ownership and control, and a physical location for business operations in the United States; or
2. Legally formed under the laws of a state or territory of the United States, including as a subsidiary of a foreign entity, and have a physical location for business operations in the United States; such entities will be considered foreign and must submit an explicit waiver request for foreign entity participation at the time of application. The information required for a waiver request can be found on FedConnect at the same location as this RFA.
SAM.gov Registration: SAM registration is required to be eligible for selection. Registration must remain active throughout the term of the project
Will the Department of Energy be providing funding to selected Launch Pad participants?
No, DOE will not provide funding to selected participants. DOE will be providing resources as part of the application review and selection. DOE costs for other activities associated with DOE authorization or NRC licensing, as part of this initiative, will be borne by the participant and will be delineated in the agreement instrument between the DOE and the participant. If the participant elects to engage Idaho National Laboratory or other national laboratories, those costs will be borne by the participant.
What is the selection and application framework for those developers wishing to participate in the Launch Pad initiative?
To participate, developers must submit applications to NRIC. The Request for Application (RFA) will be accepted and evaluated on a continual basis. Application requirements will mirror the RFA of DOE’s Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs. Applications already submitted to DOE’s Pilot Programs may be transferred to the Launch Pad and will not need to reapply.
What are the options for contracting with DOE to participate?
One option is for participants to enter into an agreement directly with DOE under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract and function as the design authority for their facility. Another option for developers pursuing DOE Authorization would be to enter into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) or Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with
Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA), the Management and Operations Contractor of INL, for BEA to function as the Design Authority for their facility. If the developer enters into an OTA with DOE it does not preclude a contract with BEA for support activities. Other contracting mechanisms will be explored for those participants within the Launch Pad U.S.A. pathway.
Do developers who have already applied to DOE's pilot programs automatically get priority for the Launch Pad?
The required information and review criteria for NRIC’s Launch Pad will mirror the requirements in the Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs RFAs. This will ensure that companies who have already applied for the Pilot Programs can transition to NRIC Launch Pad and do not need to reapply.
More Launch Pad Questions?
The full Launch Pad FAQ provides additional information on applications, siting, DOE Authorization, project requirements and other program topics.
Ready to Get Started?
Launch Pad applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed throughout the year.
Before You Apply
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate project readiness, including a sufficiently mature design, a clear project plan and the resources needed to begin DOE Authorization activities.
Application Review
Applications are reviewed periodically. Review timing may vary based on the number of applications received and other factors.
Questions?
NRIC can help with questions about the application or your project.
Apply to Launch Pad
Submit your application through the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Request for Application.